Been looking into this recently and I'm liking it a lot. Have found some useful websites advising on canal life as well as a few sites selling them.

I've never been close to taking on a mortgage and to be honest I doubt I ever will - I'd prefer to buy outright should I ever be fortunate enough to do so

But boat living is something way more affordable - not just in purchasing a boat, but from what I understand the overheads are really economical (including mooring/British Waterways fees).

I want to start off really cheap and have been looking at boats in the 15K-25K range - but have also stumbled across some as cheap as 9k-10k, altho I need no telling to be wary of such prices (and size, one was only 24ft!)

I'd be looking for a residential mooring, but would naturally travel a bit or rent it out periodically - and if I don't like it then I can always sell up and move back to land!

A distant relative lives on a narrowboat and I'll be talking to her for sure - anyone else out there have any experience or advice?

(and no, for those who read my ancient shop thread - not doing that any more )

done a week on one last yr and saw quite a few people living on theirs. Funding has been withdrawn (from the government) for British Waterways so Im not sure who will be maintaining the canals now.

do u know much about engines and electrics as it will be quite hands on with maintenance etc

news to me about the funding TBH, thanks for that

i'm absolutely clueless with engines and not great with electrics, but i have people on hand who will exchange in mutual back scratching for that......

Not that it will be important to you, but how do you go on with internet access on a canal boat?

That boozer I was telling you about is right on the canal , plenty of "boaties" to talk to.

good stuff i've already started thinking about planning away games next season. might take me all week to get to some though!

Before jumping in at the deep end...

perhaps the practical experience of living on a hired canal boat for a fortnight this summer could help with final decision?

I've heard it's not easy to get a decent morring either...they all tend to be full

I think they have the funding, but have been privatised.

i had planned on sorting a little break on a boat Sam, so yeah i'll have a test run first as well as look into all angles as much as i can to make an informed decision.

i've heard mooring can be difficult too. although i have seen a fair few boat sales that appear to include mooring with them. i need to check my local area for availability though because i intend to moor in Coventry, and i would be severely put off if I couldn't



i take it it's the Conservatives?

Not completely sure, but was before the Forest debacle, I think.

I've thought about living off the grid. But a caravan would be better. You are not restricted to water ways then. You can even go abroud and easily drive out of an area you don't like if the crime is high. Also, its easier to get wifi access and go shopping.
Also, aren't you worried about the boat sinking especially when you are asleep.

apparently most canals are 6ft deep max, 4ft where they are silted up a bit - so i'm not so concerned about sinking

i think a canal boat would be more homely than a caravan - altho if i could afford a top of the range mobile home then i'd have that wherever i live. beasts them babies are

Watch out for the water freezing round your boat in winter and windy weather.

I thought you were only 5'6",so I guess you must have grown a bit, or will you be wearing heels even when you're in bed ?

Yeah,in the light of Surprised's pearl of wisdom,you'd also be wise to learn to skate beforehand.

Told yer it was a good place to come

http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/content/arti ... ture.shtml

nutters

(might be tempted myself )

yeah. the freezing had crossed my mind...

NSFW, therefore not embedded: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTQzg1v6sLc

This shall be your personal anthem

Been there and done it. I decided not to buy the T Shirt. The summer is great fun but the winter life is cruel. I'm sure there's plenty of people who have the experience and know how to cope but I'm not one of them.